NuLiv Science has released results from a new preclinical study evaluating AstraGin®, its patented plant-based compound, for its effects on intestinal barrier integrity and probiotic adhesion under inflammatory conditions.
The study was published in Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease and assessed AstraGin® using a human Caco-2 intestinal cell monolayer model exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a standard method for simulating inflammatory stress in vitro.
Why intestinal barrier integrity matters?
A compromised intestinal barrier is linked to:
- Reduced nutrient absorption
- Increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”)
- Altered gut microbiota balance
- Higher susceptibility to inflammation
Ingredients that help maintain barrier function and support beneficial bacteria are therefore gaining importance in gut health formulations.
Key findings from the study
Compared with LPS-treated cells alone, AstraGin® treatment resulted in:
- Higher transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), indicating stronger barrier integrity
- Lower FITC-dextran permeability, suggesting reduced intestinal leakiness
- Restored tight junction protein expression, including Claudin-1, Occludin, and ZO-1
- Recovery of cellular ATP levels, supporting cellular energy status
- Significantly enhanced growth and adhesion of Lactobacillus rhamnosus to intestinal epithelial cells, even under inflammatory conditions
Together, these results suggest AstraGin® supports both structural integrity of the gut lining and functional interaction with probiotics.
Building on previous human data
According to NuLiv Science, the new findings complement earlier human research showing increases in beneficial gut bacteria with AstraGin® supplementation.
“This study reinforces our earlier human research showing increases in beneficial gut bacteria with AstraGin®,” said Richard Wang, CEO of NuLiv Science. “The data adds another dimension for brands formulating gut health products to really deliver for their end users.”
What this means for gut health formulations?
The study authors concluded that AstraGin®:
- Demonstrates protective effects against LPS-induced inflammation
- May be considered a functional food ingredient for maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal environment
This positions AstraGin® as a potential supporting ingredient in formulations focused on:
- Gut barrier support
- Probiotic performance
- Nutrient utilization
About NuLiv Science
NuLiv Science is a Certified B-Corp plant-based nutraceutical ingredients company that develops branded specialty ingredients rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and supported by scientific research. The company partners with academic institutions to deliver herbal-based wellness ingredients designed to support healthier lives.
